How to Answer: What are your professional nursing goals?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nursing job interview.
33. What are your professional nursing goals?
How to Answer
Of course your immediate goal is to get this job that you are applying for, but interviewers also want an idea of where you would like to go from here? These types of questions are gold mines of information for the interviewer, and unfortunately it's often not clear what they are mining for. However, answer the question authentically and with some forethought. The interviewer is not going to believe the candidate that says that their goal is to retire from this job unless they are an older candidate established in the community. Interviewers want motivated candidates but they also do not want to be a farm club for other hospitals where new nurses get a years worth of training somewhere to improve their skills so they can seek employment elsewhere. It should be a nice balance of ambition and stability, and your answer should reflect this. The following answer is transparent in the intent to use the tuition reimbursement program and it's associated 3 year commitment. This answer also showcases the desire to continue to move up the career ladder and the willingness to perhaps continue that journey at this organization if the opportunities are available.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 5th, 2019
1st Entry Level Example
"I definitely want to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program here at Mount Bennet Hospital so that I can really add value to the nursing team. I eventually want to pursue my MSN and would really like to talk about advancement opportunities here for me when I'm able to achieve that goal."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 5th, 2019
2nd Entry Level Example
"As a new grad, my focus right now is to build my skills, experience, and confidence. My goal for the next year is to learn and absorb as much training as I can. I hope to find a mentor that can also work with me as I settle in and begin my career, to help guide me and provide insight and advice. My short-term professional goals also include obtaining my CPR certification and enrolling in any CEU or workshops your organization may offer new grads."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 18th, 2022
1st Experienced Example
"In the last few years, I have really found my calling within cardiac and intensive care work. This is an area I see myself working for years to come, so I would like to focus on my specialty area and obtain additional certifications. I already have my ACLS, so next would likely be my CCRN. I would also like to research relevant professional organizations and join those that make the most sense for my area of interest. I love to learn and grow my professional network, so this is definitely an area of interest for me."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 18th, 2022
2nd Experienced Example
"My long-term goal is to grow within my organization. I love working with patients in the surgical setting. There can be a lot of worries and anxieties for these patients as they prepare for surgery. I greatly enjoy being able to provide these patients with education about their procedure and being able to be their support. In the future, I would like to return to school for a master's degree in nursing education so that I am better able to provide education, resources, and support for these patients."
Written by Tabitha Cumpian on January 31st, 2023
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Cindy's Feedback
About the Author
I began my healthcare career when I was a sophomore in high school and became an STNA (state-tested nursing assistant) at a local long-term care facility. I then went on to work as a nursing assistant at a local hospital and home healthcare agency. During that time, I pursued my Bachelor's in Business Administration: Human Resource Management and transitioned to working for one of the largest long-term care and post-acute rehab companies in the country. I supported the talent acquisition function, and in the span of 8 years, I screened and interviewed over 1,500 nurse aides, LPNs, and RNs.
I hold a very special place in my heart for nurses, as it's often a thankless and tiresome job. Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse, and I have great respect and admiration for those that choose this career path. As a content writer and interview coach for MockQuestions, my goal is to help you prepare and succeed in your upcoming interview. This article offers interview tips and advice along with 50 practice interview questions and answer examples to help you better understand what to expect and prepare for interview day! Wishing you the best of luck!
Learn more about Jaymie Payne